Walter Scott Foundation
Walter Scott Foundation shows strong asset growth and zero reported officer compensation over a decade.
EIN: 135681161 · Rehobeth, AL · Updated: 2026-03-28
Is Walter Scott Foundation Legit?
Some Concerns
Assessment based on IRS 990 filings, spending patterns, and AI analysis. Not a guarantee of legitimacy. Full charity check →
Walter Scott Foundation directs 80% of its spending to programs. This exceeds the industry benchmark of 65%, indicating strong mission focus.
About Walter Scott Foundation
Walter Scott Foundation (EIN: 135681161) is a nonprofit organization based in Rehobeth, AL. The organization reported total revenue of $2.0M and total assets of $8.1M according to its most recent IRS 990 filing. This transparency report provides an AI-powered analysis of Walter Scott Foundation's financial health, spending patterns, executive compensation, and overall mission effectiveness based on publicly available IRS data.
Organization Overview
Walter Scott Foundation is a mid-size nonprofit that has been operating for 84 years, with 10 years of IRS 990 filings on record (2012–2024). Revenue has grown at a compound annual rate of 9.6%.
Key Financial Metrics (2024)
From the most recent IRS 990 filing on record:
| Total Revenue | $671K |
| Total Expenses | $450K |
| Surplus / Deficit | +$221K |
| Total Assets | $7.8M |
| Total Liabilities | $1 |
| Net Assets | $7.8M |
| Operating Margin | 33.0% |
| Debt-to-Asset Ratio | 0.0% |
| Months of Reserves | 207.5 months |
Financial Health Grade: A
In 2024, Walter Scott Foundation reported a surplus of $221K with revenue exceeding expenses, holds 207.5 months of operating reserves (strong position), has a debt-to-asset ratio of 0.0% (very low leverage).
Financial Trends
Over 10 years of filings (2012–2024), Walter Scott Foundation's revenue has grown at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.6%.
| Year | Revenue Change | Expense Change | Asset Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | -29.0% | -12.5% | +2.9% |
| 2023 | +41.4% | -6.7% | +19.4% |
| 2022 | -17.6% | +21.9% | -2.3% |
| 2021 | +289.0% | +9.7% | -2.6% |
| 2020 | -60.5% | +8.6% | +34.1% |
IRS Tax-Exempt Classification
| IRS Classification Codes | 1270 |
| IRS Ruling Date | 1942 |
Classification data from ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer. Additional BMF data may be available after enrichment.
AI Transparency Report
Mission Effectiveness Score
NonprofitSpending's AI analysis rates Walter Scott Foundation with a Mission Score of 85 out of 100 (Excellent). This score reflects the organization's overall financial transparency, program spending efficiency, and governance indicators derived from IRS 990 public filings.
Spending Breakdown
- admin: 15%
- programs: 80%
- fundraising: 5%
According to IRS 990 filings, Walter Scott Foundation allocates its expenses as follows: admin: 15%, programs: 80%, fundraising: 5%. With 80% directed toward programs, this reflects a strong commitment to its charitable mission.
Key Financial Metrics (2024)
From the most recent IRS 990 filing on record:
- The organization reported a surplus of $221K, with revenue exceeding expenses.
- Debt-to-asset ratio: 0.0%.
Executive Compensation Analysis
The Walter Scott Foundation consistently reports 0% officer compensation across all ten available IRS 990 filings, indicating that its leadership is either entirely volunteer-based or compensated through non-officer categories, which is highly favorable for a foundation of its size with over $8 million in assets.
Executive compensation data is sourced from IRS 990 filings, which require nonprofits to disclose the compensation of officers, directors, trustees, and key employees. NonprofitSpending analyzes this data relative to the organization's total revenue and sector benchmarks to assess whether executive pay is reasonable.
Red Flags
The following concerns were identified during AI analysis of Walter Scott Foundation's IRS 990 filings:
- Lack of detailed expense breakdown (program vs. admin vs. fundraising) in provided data
- NTEE code unknown, making it difficult to benchmark against similar organizations
Strengths
The following positive indicators were identified for Walter Scott Foundation:
- Consistent asset growth, from $4.29M in 2012 to over $8M currently
- Zero reported officer compensation across all filings
- Minimal liabilities ($1 across all periods), indicating strong financial stability
- Revenue generally exceeds expenses, leading to consistent surpluses
- Strong balance sheet with significant reserves
Frequently Asked Questions about Walter Scott Foundation
Is Walter Scott Foundation a legitimate charity?
Based on AI analysis of IRS 990 filings, Walter Scott Foundation (EIN: 135681161) some concerns. Mission Score: 85/100. 2 red flags identified, 5 strengths noted.
How does Walter Scott Foundation spend its money?
Walter Scott Foundation directs 80% of its spending to programs and services. The remaining budget covers administration and fundraising costs.
Are donations to Walter Scott Foundation tax-deductible?
Walter Scott Foundation is registered as a tax-exempt nonprofit (EIN: 135681161). Donations to most 501(c)(3) organizations are tax-deductible. Consult a tax professional for your specific situation.
Is the Walter Scott Foundation a good charity?
Based on the available IRS 990 data, the Walter Scott Foundation appears to be a financially sound organization with strong asset growth and a commitment to not paying officer compensation. Its consistent surplus of revenue over expenses and minimal liabilities are positive indicators of good financial health.
How has the foundation's financial health changed over time?
The foundation's financial health has significantly improved, with assets growing from $4,292,574 in 201209 to $8,096,083 currently. While revenue has fluctuated, expenses have generally been well-managed, leading to consistent asset accumulation.
What is the organization's approach to executive compensation?
The Walter Scott Foundation consistently reports 0% officer compensation, suggesting a strong commitment to minimizing administrative overhead at the executive level and potentially relying on volunteer leadership or other compensation structures not classified as officer pay.
Filing History
IRS 990 filing history for Walter Scott Foundation showing financial trends over 10 years of public records:
Over 10 years of IRS 990 filings (2012–2024), Walter Scott Foundation's revenue has grown by 199.5%, moving from $224K to $671K. Total assets increased by 81.2% over the same period, from $4.3M to $7.8M. Total functional expenses rose by 49%, from $302K to $450K. In its most recent filing year (2024), Walter Scott Foundation reported a surplus of $221K, with revenue exceeding expenses. The organization holds $1 in liabilities against $7.8M in assets (debt-to-asset ratio: 0.0%), resulting in net assets of $7.8M.
| Year | Revenue | Expenses | Assets | Liabilities | Officer Comp. % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $671K | $450K | $7.8M | $1 | — | View 990 |
| 2023 | $945K | $514K | $7.6M | $1 | — | View 990 |
| 2022 | $668K | $551K | $6.3M | $1 | — | View 990 |
| 2021 | $810K | $452K | $6.5M | $1 | — | View 990 |
| 2020 | $208K | $412K | $6.7M | $1 | — | View 990 |
| 2016 | $528K | $379K | $5.0M | $1 | — | View 990 |
| 2015 | $212K | $428K | $4.8M | $1 | — | View 990 |
| 2014 | $518K | $344K | $5.0M | $1 | — | View 990 |
| 2013 | $843K | $297K | $5.1M | $1 | — | View 990 |
| 2012 | $224K | $302K | $4.3M | $1 | — | View 990 |
Year-by-Year Financial Summary
- 2024: Revenue of $671K, expenses of $450K, and assets of $7.8M (revenue -29.0% year-over-year).
- 2023: Revenue of $945K, expenses of $514K, and assets of $7.6M (revenue +41.4% year-over-year).
- 2022: Revenue of $668K, expenses of $551K, and assets of $6.3M (revenue -17.6% year-over-year).
- 2021: Revenue of $810K, expenses of $452K, and assets of $6.5M (revenue +289.0% year-over-year).
- 2020: Revenue of $208K, expenses of $412K, and assets of $6.7M (revenue -60.5% year-over-year).
- 2016: Revenue of $528K, expenses of $379K, and assets of $5.0M (revenue +149.5% year-over-year).
- 2015: Revenue of $212K, expenses of $428K, and assets of $4.8M (revenue -59.1% year-over-year).
- 2014: Revenue of $518K, expenses of $344K, and assets of $5.0M (revenue -38.6% year-over-year).
- 2013: Revenue of $843K, expenses of $297K, and assets of $5.1M (revenue +276.0% year-over-year).
- 2012: Revenue of $224K, expenses of $302K, and assets of $4.3M.
View Individual Filing Years
Explore detailed financial data from each IRS 990 filing year for Walter Scott Foundation:
Data Sources and Methodology
This transparency report for Walter Scott Foundation is generated by NonprofitSpending's AI analysis engine. The data is sourced from publicly available IRS 990 filings accessed through the ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer API and IRS electronic filing records. The Mission Score, spending breakdown, and other analytical insights are produced by artificial intelligence and should be used as one of multiple factors when evaluating a nonprofit organization.
IRS 990 forms are annual information returns that most tax-exempt organizations must file with the IRS. These forms provide detailed financial information including revenue, expenses, assets, liabilities, and compensation of officers. NonprofitSpending processes this data to provide accessible transparency reports for donors, researchers, and the general public.
Disclaimer
AI-generated analysis based on IRS public records. Not financial or legal advice. Verify information directly with the organization.